Special Education

Child Find

PA Distance Learning provides a special education program in accordance with current federal and state regulations and guidelines (see Child Find info below). This program is individualized to the unique needs of each child who has been diagnosed as needing special education services. We provide a multi-faceted educational evaluation as needed for each student living with a disability.

What is Child Find?

Child Find is the process of identifying, locating and evaluating children living with disabilities who may be in need of special education and related services.

Why does Child Find exist?

Both state and local education agencies are given the responsibility by federal and state law to conduct Child Find activities so that children who need special services have the opportunity to receive those services.

What is the purpose of Child Find?

To promote public awareness of disabilities

To alert parents, professionals, and the public to children who may have special needs

To assist school districts in finding children who may have disabilities and who otherwise may not have come to their attention

To enable children and families to receive the special education services that is needed

You Have a Team

The PA Distance Learning Charter School special education staff members are committed to helping all virtual students achieve academic success. While our highly qualified staff strives to meet the educational needs of your child, it also takes a very dedicated and involved parent to achieve success.

What is a disability?

Birth to Age 3: An established condition known to result in delay or a documented developmental delay.

Ages 3 to 5: A documented deficit in one or more of the following developmental areas: communication, vision, hearing, motor skills, social emotional/behavioral functioning, self-help skills, and/or cognitive skills.

Who can help?

Parents, guardians, relatives, public and private agency employees, and concerned citizens are used to help school districts find any child, birth through age 21, who may have a disability and need special education and related services. If you are aware of a child who may have special needs, please notify his/her school district. Schools can do their job better with your help.

What happens next?

The school district will contact the parents or guardians of the child to find out if he or she needs to be evaluated. Free testing is available to families to determine whether or not a special need exists. If a need is identified, the child can begin receiving special education and related services. If you know of any child who may have special needs, help is available.